MJ - 9 Months Old

Sweet Baby Girl,
I can't believe we're approaching your 1-year birthday already. You have grown so much and you change every day, but I still can't get that first glimpse of you out of my head. The doctors handed you to me and I couldn't believe how big you were and how much hair you had (I felt like they handed me a 3-month old baby), and those cheeks! Those puffy, pink cheeks - so soft and sweet, when you let out your first cry, I knew instantly that you would change my life forever. And you have. Now you're 9 months old, gaining Independence, gaining confidence in your surroundings, and already learning how to manipulate us to get what you want... Usually a simple smile does the trick - those same pink puffy cheeks perk up, your rosy lips curl, your little button nose scrunches up and those big blue eyes light up. You now babble all the time...while you're eating (constantly singing the "mmmm" sound while you chew), you babble while you're playing, or in your crib, or when you're just trying to be noticed over your much-louder big brother. You wave hello/goodbye, you clap your hands when you're excited (or when we prompt you to), you move your head back and forth to say "no no no", you use your little fingers in that pincer grip, you say "dadada" and "mamama" and I'm pretty sure you know what you're saying. I think you're even recognizing sign language too (doggie, daddy, all-done, brother, mommy). And you are just as lazy as you are smart. According to the doctor - you're not crawling yet because you think it's easier to roll/scoot/shimmy to where you want to be. Hips are fine, ears are fine, legs are fine...you're just plain lazy. You'll dig your toe in, pick your body up off the ground and inch forward for 2-3 inches, but then give up and decide to roll. Though now you seem to be moving around in the sit position (I've heard of this type of "crawling" but never witnessed it) - spinning 360 degrees and moving several inches at a time - all while sitting down. We've had some fun watching you figure all of these things out...***Since I started writing this a week ago, you have now started to show an interest in pulling up on things - We've seen you get to your knees and then you crack up and fall back down... And if we place you next to the couch or stool, you'll stand there for a while before finally getting tired and going back down - this too, you crack up about...something about standing and getting upright makes you laugh hysterically***

Your 9 Month stats: You now weigh 21 lbs, and you are 28.5 inches. Still on the same curve of the growth chart (big). You eat everything that we feed you - except for peas. Favorites: Still squash & zucchini from my garden (yay!), pancakes, cooked brown rice, carrots, applesauce and goldfish crackers. Favorite Toy: my car keys... when they're not available, beads (red/white/blue from the 4th, or teal/black from the Panther's outing) - yes a choking hazard but still your favorite. And finally, you have your first tooth. It's tiny, sharp and too cute.

Thanks for another fabulous month Miss Molly! You are the sweetest and we can't get enough of you!!!

Summer '09

Sorry for the long post - we've been busy this month! Jack's at the perfect age where afternoon outings are enjoyable and we can plan a day of activities and know that it's going to go well. And Molly's still young enough that it doesn't matter to her either way. :) June was packed with activities... and we headed into July with the same ambitions! A few memorable moments...

First, a visit from Grammy - what a great visit we had, short, but great. This was her first time meeting Miss Molly, but she didn't have much time to get to know her, as Jack kept her running in circles from the second her plane landed in Charlotte. For a week before her visit, Jack kept telling me "this time I won't be shy" and he kept his word, that's for sure! Also, we celebrated Father's Day at the In-Law's house, what a fun night that was - complete with their make-shift "water park" and great food. It was a ton of fun getting the family together and seeing all the new babies!!! Movies in the park - for sure, something we'll be doing again soon! I just love our little town because it is host to many fun events like this one. We showed up around 6:30 for a movie that didn't start until 8:45ish (after dark) - Horton Hears A Who. But we had no problem killing time because of all the "extras" at movies-at-the-park. All the popcorn, Popsicles, chips, cookies, drinks, face painting, fake-tattooing, that a kid could want. Jack sat on the blanket and munched until 8:30. Molly however, was a sweaty mess the entire time. We had to strip her down to her diaper to try to make her more comfortable. Through this heat-fest, we also found out that she's a huge fan of Popsicles. The best part about this event was that it was FREE...everything was free. Thanks Nagy and Pop Pop for joining us (and for getting there early to reserve a decent spot on the lawn). Also this past month, Jack did Bible School (another freebie) for a week. They did all kinds of crafts, games, singing/dancing, etc. He loved it and at the end of the week, they put on a show to demonstrate what they learned. Panther's Tour - One of Marc's Networking Groups hosted a family "behind the scenes" private tour of the Panther's Stadium. That was a great trip... even got to spend some time with Sir Purr and a few cheerleaders as they were showing up for practice. Another memorable moment - we went to Splash Pad with some friends of mine... both kids had so much fun in this squirt/spray park for kids. Molly loved just sitting in front of a sprayer (remember, she's the sweater in our family), while Jack took hold of a huge water gun that blasted out buckets and buckets of water at a time. Then after we dried off, we hopped on board of the Kannapolis Express for a train ride.

That brings us to the 4th of July - the Annual Parade (another of Harrisburg's famous events), bbq, swimming, family and friends...this day had it all! Jack swam for several hours - only taking a break to eat a bunch of dessert items, then back in the pool. That boy loves to swim! Thanks Renee and Kevin for inviting us!

And this week, Molly's 9 Month Birthday. I'll recap Molly's last month in a few days. But for now, enjoy some pictures by clicking here.

Molly - 8 Months Old

8 Months already... you'll be a year old before we know it. This month you have become more interactive with us, playing with Jack and actually sharing toys (rolling cars together, playing with the ball, tug of war, peek-a-boo, etc). You also started to wave bye-bye this month, and you can almost clap your hands, but you find it much more amusing when I do it for you. You're not crawling yet, but that doesn't stop you from going wherever you want to. You roll one way, then arch your back, then roll the other way (kind of like a 3-point turn), then do it again, until you're going in the direction you want. You also reach out to us and to your toys and food. Speaking of food - your favorite this month is yellow summer squash - luckily we have TONS of it!!! You'll eat 1/2 of a small squash in one sitting...steamed and chopped of course. You now take your bath with Jack and you love this...love the plethora of floating toys, love the splashing water, love the bubbles. Lastly, you went on your first hike this month. I'd like to say you enjoyed it except you passed out 5 minutes into it. Maybe next time you'll stay awake long enough to take it all in.

Click here for pictures from this month.

You have become such an integral part of this family, MJ. My favorite time of day is when I go into your room in the morning. You are so excited to see me each day - you kick your legs, flip yourself around, squeal/laugh, and those big blue eyes grow wider with excitement.

Molly - 7 Months Old

The 6-month mark came and went in a flash, it seems! Now here we are at 7 months, and again, I'm late posting this...Sorry Molly, but Mom is doing her best to keep up with it!

New Skills: The most notable new skills this month include sitting up on your own, sometimes for many minutes before you get tired. We still pad pillows around you because you occasionally fall, but you're getting better at falling too (you ease yourself down most times, often holding your head up so that you don't get hurt). Another new skill (and my very favorite skill): You now entertain yourself and put yourself back to sleep in your crib! If you wake in the night, it's a rare occasion that we actually have to get up and check on you... we can hear you playing with your toys and blanky, sometimes for over an hour, but not a single cry before you're back to sleep on your own. We have scattered a bunch (maybe 8 or 9) binkies in the crib with you and you can proficiently find one, grab it, and put it in your mouth the right way, all by yourself. This means less trips for Mom or Dad to soothe you in the middle of the night (whew!). And speaking of sleeping, you do that well too! We're finally on a schedule with regular naps and consistent sleeping patterns at night. For some reason, you didn't take naps during your first 6 months of life - unless sporadic cat-naps counts. Now you take two solid 2-hour naps each day, and you wake between 6:30 and 7am.

Another fun month, Miss Molly! Each month is more fun than the last one!

6 Months Old

Actually half way to 7 months old by the time I post this!

Sweet baby girl,

6 months already. Amazing. I'm trying hard to make sure I remember every little thing you do. Every time we complete one stage and move on to the next, I have to remind myself that this is it...the last time I'll be in this position in my life. And what a way to "wrap things up" - you are more beautiful, charming and sweet than we could've ever wished for. And you are so "girly" that it makes us laugh... I love to dress you up, I love to pick what you'll wear each day (Dad loves this too - the other day he actually requested that you wear a pretty bow in your hair to match your pretty dress), and I love that no matter what we dress you in, there's no mistaking that you are a baby girl. Your eyes sparkle, your cheeks are rosey, your smile is soft. You are just precious.

And did I mention that you are Daddy's Little Girl? You drop whatever it is you are doing (or eating) to see Dad when he walks in the room. If you hear his voice, you snap to attention. Sometimes, he talks in whsipers so that he doesn't disturb you, but it doesn't work - I think you can "sense" his presence. :) You'll take Dad over me any day!

What have you been up to? Rolling rolling rolling... both sides, both directions, all over the room. You barrel roll from one end of the living room to the other. You have also discovered crackers / solids. You LOVE to eat these "snacks" any time of day - passing the treat from one hand to the other, and then to the mouth. It falls, you quickly search for it, and if you can't find it, you protest (loudly).



You can sit up on your own for several seconds, but unattended, you'll eventually fall. Your favorite toy this month is a big, rubbery spoon. You love to chew it, hold it, hit things with it. You also love your toes, your jumperoo (finally) and your brother's John Deer Tractor. You get so excited when he starts driving that thing around - you fuss if we don't get up and carry you so that you can follow it. And you make the funniest noises when you follow the tractor! Your sleeping could be better but it's not bad. The last few days, you slept from 8:30pm to 7:30am without a peep. Normally though, you wake at 6:30-7ish to eat, and wake once in the middle of the night for your binky. We've started scattering several binkies in your crib so that if you wake, you might be able to find one yourself (can't wait for that to happen!!!).


At the doctor this month: You weighed 18lbs. (85th percentile) and you are 27.5" long (90th percentile). You surpassed your brother at this age by almost 3 pounds and 1/2 of inch. Needless to say - you are a big girl. And it's all in your thighs... while at the doctor's office, one nurse spread the word about your chunky thighs and soon after, 3 other nurses came in to see your chubby legs (obviously it wasn't a busy day at the doc's office).

All and all, another perfect month, Miss Molly. We love you to pieces!

Love, Mom

3 Years Old

My Sweet Jack,
You are three. I can't believe I'm even saying that. Three years has gone by so fast... when I look at little Molly and remember you at her age, I can't believe how much you have accomplished in just three short years. And there isn't a day that goes by that you don't amaze us. Everything you do, from putting on your own shoes to telling us a story about school, makes us smile... Dad and I pass each other a glance as if to say "Did our baby seriously just do that or say that?". You are so grown up and yet still I think of you as my baby boy. You will ALWAYS be my baby boy. No matter how fast you grow, how tall you get, how independent you become, I can still remember holding you the day you were born and knowing in that very minute, my life would never ever be the same. It's hard to believe that anyone can fall in love with someone in one second, but we did, the second we saw you. And I know, 30 years from now, I'll still love you and see you as my baby boy.



You are now over 37 pounds, and over 38 inches tall, you wear a size 10 shoe, and clothes that would fit a 5 year old. Your favorite expression these days is "I can do it myself" (sometimes you really can, sometimes you can't, but your stubborn side won't let anyone help you regardless). Your favorite toys are still cars/trains/trucks and now games (you love the Leapster that Grammy gave you for your birthday). Your favorite movie is still Cars (you would think it would get boring after the 100th viewing). You're ready to get rid of your one nap, but I'm fighting this one until the bitter end! You still have your tantrums but they're not every day, not as dramatic, and otherwise, fairly predictable. All and all, you're acting/doing exactly what a 3-year-old should be doing.

We had a blast celebrating your birthday with friends and family and 100 bugs for your "bugday party". This was the first party that we've had where you left my side and ran off to play with your big-boy friends, and play big-boy games while the adults had a chance to visit with each other. Every now and then, you'd look for me and say "mom! mom! I have to show you something!" or "mom! is it time for games/cake/whatever?". It was a perfect birthday.

Birthday Pics

This weekend you had your first Soccer game, which I suppose makes me a "soccer mom". Also this weekend, you went camping for the first time. Dad has been planning this trip with you for some time now... I hope you enjoyed it as much as he has enjoyed planning it. You also had your first black-eye (playground at school), which you didn't even cry for. I imagine as you explore being a 3-year-old, there will be lots of "firsts" - just as there were at age 2. It's all happening so quickly though, and your "firsts" seem more and more advanced. Pretty soon you'll be on your "first date" or driving your "first car"...Luckily we've got another big stack of "firsts" to get through before any of that happens though.


Soccer and Camping pics here.

Thanks for another "best year of my life", Jack!
Stay smart, sweet, and fun... Happy Birthday, Buddy!

Love, Mom

5 Months Old

Molly Jane,
You are growing so fast... faster than I remember Jack growing. Five months has flown by, I remember waking up several times in the night to feed you, change you, and pat your back until you fell asleep again, wishing the days would come when I didn't have to do this every few hours. Now those days are here and I miss your little newborn ways (but I swear that I was miserable at the time). But lucky me, you still wake early enough for me to feel like I didn't get any sleep(6am on a good day). This too shall pass...

You are getting stronger each day - lately, you've been figuring out how to use your stomach/torso muscles to move yourself and change positions. You can sit up on your own, for only a few seconds (tripod style), and you've rolled from back to front at least once in your crib, but I haven't seen you do that on the floor. You reach for everything and you pass toys from one hand to the other while examining all sides and colors. You love the outdoors, listening to the birds and feeling the breeze in your hair, while watching Jack driving his tractor or playing in the sand. You love to jog with Mommy, though this doesn't put you to sleep like it did with Jack. Actually - you become more alert after a long walk.

You have your favorite toys: Squishy ball from Uncle Joe and Aunt Amy, and now the binky rope that Aunt Jill made you (and all binky ropes, ultimately).
You have your favorite foods: Peaches and sweet potatoes.
Your favorite time of day: When you first wake from your morning nap.
Your favorite sleeping item: Your bunny blankies.

And we as a family have worked out all of the kinks in our system over the last five months. You have become so predictable, making life easier around here. Dad is the one to clean you at night (shower of course) and rock you back to sleep if you wake up. I'm the one to greet you in the morning, and feed you. As long as we don't mix these things up, you're one happy little girl. :)


Yes, you have thunder thighs... but you'll grow out of them some day!

Stay sweet, my little peanut!
Love you,
Mommy

Jack's Dance Moves

I've compiled Jack's sweet moves over the years... Enjoy!

4 Month's Old

My sweet Molly, 4 months has flown by...I feel like it was yesterday that we were packing our bags for the hospital on the day you were born. Your tiny little fingers and toes were all balled up...your legs were pulled tight against your body. Now, you're reaching for toys, kicking your legs, and making demands. :) You tell us when you're hungry with a specific sound, and tired with another sound. When you just want our attention, you have a way of telling us that too. At 4 months old, you can now roll over (one way), you can play on your tummy for long stretches of time, craning your neck in every direction so that you don't miss anything. I forgot how exciting it is when babies reach little milestones like these. You love the mirror, the shower, the mobile in your crib, and your bunny-blankie. You also started eating solids this past month. It's just cereal for the most part, but you've tried bananas and carrots too - loving them both. You've gotten good with the spoon and you get so excited in between bites. You love to eat. We are so blessed to have two beautiful babies, one on each end of the spectrum. Jack was serious, you are silly, Jack was too busy to eat (that changed though), and you'll eat all day long if given the chance. Jack was fairly self sufficient at your age, you are clingy and love to be held. You are both so different in so many ways, you are the link that we didn't know was missing until you were here. Love you, your cheeks, your smile, your eyes...everything about you, Miss Molly!

Here's a video of Molly rolling.

The Future of Jack?

Hmm... future Rock Star? Or maybe future Band Camp leader? Whatever he decides, we don't care as long as he puts his heart into it. :) If you can't hear the video, after 1/2 hour of dancing with his guitar in "Molly's Band", I ask him if he's "jamming" and his response is "I'm tired of jamming". And in another clip, he passes gas while jamming (unfortunately I didn't catch that on the camera) and he says "Molly's band stinks!". This kid is a riot...

Spring Is In The Air...

Sunday was a beautiful day - mid 60's, sunny, a perfect day for a picnic! Jack is always first in line to go on a picnic, he loves the process of packing a "special" lunch, complete with snacks, a main course, and dessert. He requested chips and dip, carrots, PB&J of course, and cookies for dessert. Molly was content with munching on her two hands, naturally. Good times...we're looking forward to the spring!
View more pictures here.

Jack and MJ

How cute is this picture? I mean... considering it was a Walmart photo shoot (not the most skilled technicians) and considering Jack's 2.5 and Molly is only 3 months old... all and all - not a bad shot! I also had some done of just teeny-queeny alone for her 3-month portrait, but they cropped it so tight that it's just a huge blow-up of her face and it's a bit scary looking. Anyhow, I'm pleased with this pic of my babies. Jack practiced his "Walmart" smile all day for this (no goofy, wide mouthed, tongue showing, funny face smile).

Winter Wonderland!

Is it too late for Christmas music? I told Jack we were expecting snow and he said "Is It Christmas AGAIN???!!!!" - nope. Sorry dude.

Once a year, we get just enough snow to cover the grass - and today is the day. School is closed, and Jack was the first one dressed today and ready to play outside. Yes, it's only 8:45, and we've already had breakfast, played outside for an hour, and drank our hot chocolate. It's going to be a long day....

3 Months Old

Miss Molly Jane,
You are 3 months old now... I feel like it was just yesterday that I was still carrying you in my belly, and now you are here with us, developing your own little personality, and accomplishing new skills every day. The first three months were a challenge for the rest of us but we've all figured out how to adapt as a family of four. Jack adores you and shows you in many ways...He's gets concerned when you cry and he gives you toys/blankies/binkys to make you happy...and he's right there with us when we try to get a giggle out of you. I relish in picking out your girly clothes for the day (your clothes are so cute), let's not forget about the matching bow for your hair. And Dad has found a new bond with you as well. He lights up when he's with you - even if for only a moment while he's on his way out the door. And even when you're screaming in his ear while he walks around the house with you...something softens him while he's with you. He talks to you, making you laugh and smile, he practices your 'rolling' and tummy activities with you, and has found a spot in his heart that can only be filled by you. He did all of these things with Jack too, but you're Daddy's little girl. You are wrapped around his finger so tight.

Accomplishments this month... you now add a little laugh in with your smiles. And by the way, your smiles happen every time we make eye contact with you. You also talk all day long - if you're awake, you're babbling. And since Jack likes to talk too, you now babble LOUDLY so that you are heard over your brother's chatter. You play with your toys now too, and talk to them and smile at them as well. You're actually picking things up and bringing them closer... if I put a doll next to you, I'll look over and see that it is now on your lap and you are grasping it tightly. Most importantly... you are sleeping through the night pretty regularly. You go to bed at 8:45 and you wake at 5:45 for a quick snack - then back to sleep until 9:30. To me - that's a full night and I'll take it! You hold your head up by yourself for long stretches of time while sitting in your bumbo seat. When on your belly, you'll prop yourself up on your elbows and play for 10-15 minutes as well. I'm still your favorite person - you'll spot me in a crowd from across the room and once you see me, you'll lock in and not let me out of your sights. My favorite thing now, is that you've learned to entertain yourself (I enjoy the break). It's nice to not have to hold you all day anymore...now I can lay you on a blanket and watch you play by yourself for long stretches of time. I think you like the break from me as well. :)

You are a sweet baby girl and we couldn't be more proud of you and all that you will become. I love you, Molly!

Another Successful Christmas

We had a blast - Jack clearly had the most fun of all. From the "reindeer food" that we sprinkled in the yard the night before, to Santa's "special cookie" that we left on the counter before bed... Jack was absolutely beside himself with the Christmas traditions. His only disappointment was that we wouldn't let him go back to the North Pole with Santa - even though he insisted that there would be enough room in his sleigh (because all of the toys are in the back of the sleigh, duh- mom). This kid's ability to reason is unbelievable. What a blast we all had this year!

And a special, unexpected treat, my newest baby niece decided to join us for Christmas too! Lilly was born on December 23rd and she is as beautiful as her older sister is.
Congrats Chris & Em!
Check out the rest of my Christmas pictures here.

Ho Ho Ho!

Well this month is shaping up to be a better, more productive month. I feel like we've regained control of the household this month. We've figured out how to manage Jack and his mood swings (thank you to our new favorite book "1-2-3 Magic"), and Molly has started to adopt some form of a routine with predictability in naps, feedings and bed time. We've been able to sit back and take a deep breath (finally). But now it's GO TIME for Christmas! I've got so much shopping to do that it's making me feel sick. It's a huge weight on my shoulders right now and I just need to get it done. And ironically enough, my work has picked up the pace these last couple of months (it's usually my slow time). So the three days a week that Jack is in school are tied up with work, not shopping/xmas prep. I don't know how/when I'll get it all done but I will. I always do. :)

And speaking of getting to the malls... I managed to get there this morning with both kids to visit with Santa. I was amazed at how well they did! Molly was at home with Santa's big cradling arms, and Jack of course tried his hardest to plaster a huge grin on his face (the boy tries so hard to smile pretty but it never looks quite right). Afterwards, Santa asked Jack what he wanted for Christmas and his response was "presents please". Easy enough! :) All and all, the visit was a complete success.


Also this month, Molly turned 2 months old. She's now 12.5 pounds and 24 inches long - still circling around the 90-95% for growth. She's sleeping 5 hours at a time - so I get up to feed her at 3am and then not again until 8am (3 out of 5 nights). I'll take it! She's gone 6 hours a few times but 5 seems to be the norm for now. When she's awake, she plays on her activity mat or her new favorite past-time, sitting in her seat and staring at the Christmas Tree. She's not nuts about the TV like Jack was at that age - so we're always looking for activities that entertain her. Here's her two-month photo:


Not sure what our Christmas plans are but Jack is ALL ABOUT IT this year...


He understands the concept of Santa, and presents and candy, etc. He has an advent calendar (thanks Grammy) and looks forward to opening a new door each day - getting one day closer to Christmas. He also helped decorate the house - inside and out! We've lost a few ornaments to the cause, but it was worth it to have him take part in it.








We also enjoyed the Harrisburg Tree Lighting festivities this year, though it was frigidly cold that night!


Hope you have a happy/safe Holiday - from Us and Ours to You and Yours!

What A Month We've Had!

(or 6 weeks rather) It's official - Our baby girl is here... Jack's a big brother to his baby sister, Molly. Welcome to the family, Molly!

My most memorable part of Molly's birth is when Jack walked in the hospital room to meet his sister for the first time. So sweet and innocent...not sure what to expect... a small gift in hand, shirt tucked in, grin on his face. Their first interaction was Jack singing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star to Molly while she was in my arms, quiet and soft as a whisper, unrehearsed, and totally unexpected/unplanned. I'm sure I cried right there while he sang to her and my heart felt like it was going to burst. At that point, I knew our family was complete and that I am truly blessed.

And then....
We came home.

Sweet Jack has a new side to him (a not-so-sweet side), Molly keeps us up all night, there's no time to think/sleep/work or do anything really. Some days I notice that I'm running back and forth from one end of the house to the other (thank god we're in a single-story home) with a poopie diaper or a boogered tissue...a stack of wipes or a clean pair of underpants. I honestly don't have a CLUE how anyone can do this with more than two kids. And no - nobody warned me about how difficult the transition from one to two is. You all LIE! And the truth is - I'm exhausted. But there is a silver lining...

For every bad day, theres a good day to follow. And those good days are so GOOD that the bad days aren't even there anymore. And for a minute, we're all back to the Norman Rockwell picture painted above, blessed with our two kids. :) I wouldn't trade this life for the world (I'm typing this on a good day, obviously). :)

So Jack's blog is now our "family" blog (to be fair - don't want Molly feeling left out). We hope you enjoy it!
Video of Jack singing to Molly

Molly's "One Month" photo

Jack & Molly

First Day Of School (and 2.5 years old)

This was you on your way home from the hospital 2.5 years ago.


And this is your on your first day of school, at 2.5 years old.


This is you and Miss Robin - your new teacher this year.


My Sweet Jack,

Today is the first day of school again...this time was much more difficult for me than last time - maybe it's because you were much more eager to let go of my hand, maybe it's because I've got your baby sister inside of me stirring up my hormones, or maybe it's because I'm terrified that I'll blink my eyes and you'll be heading off to kindergarten, high school, and college. Since the last school year (which ended in May), you have grown into such a big boy... you wear underpants instead of diapers, you sleep in a normal bed, you've abandoned your pacifier (but have grown extremely attached to your blankies instead), you miss me when we're apart and you tell me "Mom, I missed you" when we're together again... you ask questions when something intrigues you, and you answer questions when asked... You tell me about your day and you remember things from MONTHS ago and rehash the whole experience all over again (like going to the zoo in May, or telling me about a splinter that Pop Pop got in his finger 2 weeks ago while you were visiting him). You amaze me and Dad with every new thing you do... even pulling apart an oreo cookie last night, eating the creamy center first, then eating the chocolate cookie - knowing that neither one of us taught you how to do that. You have your own friends and you tell us about them when your not with them... you have your favorite shoes, outfits, toys, and snacks (of course, because you're an eating machine just like your Dad). You certainly have your routines and your opinions and are confident sticking with both (just like your Mom). You enjoy playing by yourself as much as you enjoy playing with your friends (just like your Mom) and for all of the reasons that you are such a sweet boy, you are equally stubborn when you don't get your way! You're an amazing little boy, Jack.

You'll be an amazing big brother soon too - so far you seem genuinely excited about your little sister joining our family in a month or so. You kiss her goodnight every day, you have "pretend" conversations with her (you tell me she says "hello" to you when you have your ear to my stomach), you love her room, her toys, her clothes. You have started taking very good care of your stuffed animals and your one baby doll (baby Brian) - rubbing their heads, putting them to bed and whispering "don't wake them up", and even lending your blankies to them. I know it'll be tough, sharing all the attention with your sister, but I'm sure she's going to love you as much as Dad and I do.

You make us so proud, Jack. Happy first day of school! This year, you go three days a week instead of one... as much as I'm looking forward to more time for myself/my work/and ultimately - your baby sister, I'm also going to miss our morning routine together. But I can't wait to pick you up later and listen to you ramble on and on about your day today, what you did, who you saw, songs you sang, games you played, and what you had for lunch. :)


Please don't grow up too fast, my sweet sweet Jack.

I love you (Thiiiiissss Muuuuucccch!!!) - (this is where you hold your arms out as wide as you can and yell to me how much you love me too).

Weekend In The Mountains

The family went to the Wilson Creek area for the weekend - we rented a house on the river and spent a lot of time swimming and hiking and having fun! Grayson and I played hard for 2 days straight (and we had our share of fights too as most BFFs do). Uncle Tim followed through with his promise to show me a waterfall and it was sweet! The only down side was the not so smart way of getting to it (down a very steep, slippery rock, holding on to nothing but a wet rope). Luckily I was snug in Dad's backpack (not secure though because I'm apparently too big for the shoulder harness now)... and Mom and Aunt Jill did their best to keep my unborn sister and cousin safe while scaling the death wall down to the waterfall. The reward was well worth it once we all made it down to the waterfall. Here's a couple of videos:


Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books


Photo Sharing - Video Sharing - Photo Printing - Photo Books

We all had a blast and will have lots of fond memories of our little mini getaway to Wilson Creek. Let's not forget about our little fury friend, Mr. Mouse, who also stayed with us the entire weekend (even after several daylight appearances). Kudos to Uncle Chris for being the only one (out of 8 of us) brave enough to stand up to Mr. Mouse.

Check out our Wilson Creek pictures here...

Enjoy!

My Visit To "Moooory" (Missouri)

What a blast I had visiting Grammy and Grampy (2+ weeks ago)! And I also got the special treat of seeing Gram (Mom's Grammy) since she was visiting as well! We had SO much fun going to the park, eating ice cream and popsicles, playing in the sprinkler and the garden too, and let's not forget the zoo! Not only did we see a bunch of cool animals and ride the carousel and the train, but I also went the whole day without wetting my pants! Not ONCE!




The trip there was a lot of fun - two plane rides, and a bunch of running around in the airports. On the way back though - I did my regular vomit before we left the house (seems to be a ritual that I get sick the morning I have to fly home). Maybe I was trying to come up with a way to not have to leave Grammy's house? Maybe I was just experiencing some pre-travel jitters? Who knows, but it was enough to make Mom carry a bunch of extra clothes, towels and medicine in case it happened again (which it did not). I slept the entire way home. Missed the whole flight. :(

Anyhow, pictures from my trip can be seen here. Enjoy!

Happy Memorial Day!